US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins has announced that the agency will not wait for congressional action to establish a framework for cryptocurrency regulation. In his first public appearance as chair, Atkins stated that the SEC can use existing authorities to move forward with policy changes, including revising crypto special-purpose broker dealers and custody policies.
Atkins emphasized the need for regulatory clarity in the digital assets sector, citing Trump’s endorsement of his leadership and promising a “firm regulatory foundation” for cryptocurrency. However, he also declined to comment on President Trump’s personal crypto interests, including his memecoin $TRUMP.
The SEC has been awaiting congressional action to set guardrails for the industry, but Atkins suggests that the agency can take steps to deliver a rational framework for crypto regulation while waiting for new laws. This move is seen as a significant shift in the commission’s approach, following the previous chairman’s more restrictive policies under Gary Gensler.
Industry expectations are high for Atkins’ leadership, given his experience advising and investing in digital assets firms. The SEC has held several roundtables on crypto matters, including one focused on custody in the industry.
Source: https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2025/04/25/new-sec-chief-atkins-says-agency-doesn-t-have-to-wait-to-impose-crypto-policy